Chapter 27: I miss you
When looking into the salon, Friedrich was sitting alone, his back exuding a strong sense of melancholy that made it hard to just pass by.
Since there was no other choice, Liddellina decided to speak to him.
“Husband, thank you for listening to my wishes earlier.”
Friedrich looked up as if he had been rejected.
“so, you’re not going to leave me, right?”
He looked at her with eyes like a scolded puppy, completely different from earlier. Liddellina involuntarily took a step back.
“Yes, as long as my lord does not desire it.”
“Is that really true, Liddellina?”
He approached her and tightly grasped both her hands. Since losing his memories, Friedrich touches her without hesitation. She wonders what happened to the person who used to be so awkward and even disliked women.
“Yes, of course. I Have nowhere else to go.”
“You have nowhere to go? What about your home?”
“Ah, did you not have any documents regarding that? I thought Husband had conducted an investigation into my assets and would have detailed information…”
Friedrich nervously blinks his eyes.
“…in that case, may I tell you the circumstances?”
The Friedrich who returned from the battlefield with no memories is kindly disposed towards Liddellina because he has no one else to rely on.
However, it is also scary how his gaze towards Liddellina changes as soon as he sees the documents about her home.
She shudders when she sees his attitude towards his relatives earlier. He is a harsh person. Even if he lost his memories, will the things at his core remain unchanged? However, Liddellina does not know the previous Friedrich well.
Liddellina decided to speak candidly about the matter of her engagement being broken off, following the sequence of events. It would be better to ask directly before finding out through documents. She explains the facts only, without mixing in her emotions, and tells him everything she knows.
“Liddellina, you”ve had such a hard time.”
Liddellina was surprised at her husband, who lamented her circumstances even though she had not meant to present herself as a victim.
“No, it wasn’t that bad.”
There are ladies who are sold as old, high-ranking noble concubines in the world. Compared to that, she thinks she was happy to be given work and even a generous allowance by marrying him.
She secretly took pride in the fact that she might have the skills to work as a secretary even if she was kicked out of here.
“So, what is your home like now?”
“Yes, as Husband told me, I wrote numerous letters to my cousin and he returned to the country. After that, we have had no contact, but since he is reliable, I think he is probably fine.”
“I see. If they ask you to do something unreasonable, feel free to consult with me anytime. I’ll try to help in any way I can, Liddellina.”
He is a reliable husband, despite having no memories…
“Well then, how about we have lunch together from now on?”
“Yes.”
“This is the first time we”ve had a meal alone together since I returned.”
Friedrich smiles awkwardly as he says this. No, it’s not just since he returned, it’s really the first time. Liddellina is confused by his reaction. She doesn’t know how to respond.
“Err… that’s right.”
“After we finish eating, let’s go to the office together. I have some questions too.”
“Understood. In that case, how about we have lunch in the office? That way we can use our time more efficiently.”
She was annoyed by the presence of his relatives before, but for some reason, being alone with him feels awkward too. She feels like there is no space between them.
“Y-Yeah.”
For some reason, Friedrich visibly deflates.
After that, the two of them went to the office and calmly went through the handover of documents. Liddellina would answer Friedrich’s questions.
During afternoon tea time, they also worked in the office. Friedrich has knowledge, but no memories, so there are things he needs to learn anew, and he is not able to grasp documents he made in the past.
Liddellina, who was working according to Friedrich’s instructions, is different. He learned from Howard at times.
In the meantime, Liddellina must work efficiently so that the work will move smoothly. In the end, she ended up helping him until he was able to grasp all the work as acting lord.
This way Friedrich won’t break up with her anytime soon. However, she suddenly thinks about what will happen when the work is on track and his memories return, and she becomes unnecessary.
She then remembered the spa facilities she had started to work on. She heard that the local peasants were using it, but it was mostly men and the usage rate by women was low. It seems that a clean and safe facility is necessary after all.
Liddellina thought she would go and see the state of the local spa after a long time. She thought she would consider making it easier for women to use.
Since Friedrich seemed to have finished his work, Liddellina spoke up.
“Husband, I would like to go and see the state of the spa and workshop tomorrow. Is that okay? I will make sure it doesn’t interfere with your work.”
“In that case, can I come with you?”
Friedrich shows a childlike smile as if he found something to look forward to.
She can’t refuse.
“Of course.”
“I’m looking forward to it. The business you started.”
“It’s not that big of a deal. The crafts have been selling well, but the number of visitors to the spa has been unexpectedly low.
“Fewer people are using the hot springs? That’s surprising. There is nothing so wonderful.
He says this in a surprised tone, and his expression becomes lively and cheerful.
“Then, see you tomorrow.”
Liddellina feels a sense of discomfort and stands up.
“Ah, thank you for staying late. It was a great help. I’ll rely on you again.”
Friedrich stands up from his chair and comes over to Liddellina, offering his right hand.
For some reason, he always asks for a handshake from Liddellina when he finishes his work. It’s strange.
